Our duty is not to declare results quickly but accurately – EC insists

The Electoral Commission, Ghana (EC) has called on Ghanaians to exercise some patience as it continues to collate results of Wednesday’s presidential polls.

It says so far – as of 24 hours after the polls – it has received results of just 90 out of 275 constituencies and will make them public “soon”.

Addressing journalists on Thursday, December 8, Chair of the Commission Charlotte Osei said Wednesday’s elections were conducted in a process of fairness, transparency and inclusiveness, among others.

She insisted, therefore, that the same process will be employed in declaring the results, pointing out that this is not the first time results declaration have gone beyond 24 hours.

She cited 2008 and 2012 when results were announced more than 24 hours after polls closed.

The Commission had come under fire from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), especially, and other key stakeholders for the delay in releasing results. Mrs Osei said even as of Thursday evening entire results from the Northern Region and the Volta Region have not been received.

“We want to reiterate that the Commission does not declare results based on results of political parties,” she stressed.

She said due diligence will be taken in coming out with the results. “The duty we owe to Ghana is not to declare results quickly. It is the duty to declare results accurately.”